BUSINESS NEWS
Ben ’ s Best of Bath Business Awards is back for 2017
Following the success of Ben Howlett MP ’ s inaugral Business Awards in 2016 , its been announced they are returning for 2017 .
2016 saw over 80 local businesses entering and with an increase in the number of categories for 2017 , Ben hopes the number of entrants will increase . Ben said : “ Independent businesses are vital to the unique nature of commerce in Bath . The business awards last year attracted entries from a wide range of smaller companies across the city . With new categories this year we hope to cover an even wider mix of businesses . We recognise how busy small business owners are , and have therefore kept the application process as simple as possible so all small businesses can easily enter – or be nominated by their customers .”
Ben ’ s Best of Bath Awards work in conjunction with the Federation of Small Businesses and the headline sponsor is Gradwell Communications Ltd , with additional sponsorship opportunities still available .
Nick Thompson , chief executive office of Gradwell Communications Ltd said :“ A large slice of Bath ’ s attractiveness is its thriving independent sector which , in a world of homogeneity , is increasingly under pressure .
Epoch cements position as one of the UK ’ s top finance firms
Bath-based Epoch Wealth Management has been named one of the UK ’ s top 100 financial planning firms for the third year running .
Epoch is once again included in New Model Adviser ’ s annual list of the country ’ s best independent financial advice firms . This puts Epoch in the top 10 per cent of financial advisers nationally .
The New Model Adviser Top 100 is calculated by using a range of measures , including revenue and recurring income levels , professional qualifications and commitment to developing the profession .
Epoch partners Jon Rolfe , Markas Gilmartin and Barry Newbury .
As an independent Bath business supplying Cloud and Communication services across the UK , Gradwell is incredibly proud to be able sponsor these awards . We appreciate and recognise the contribution independent businesses play in creating Bath ’ s vibrant economy .”
Angela MacAusland FSB chair added : “ I am delighted once again to be involved with the awards representing FSB but also as a judge . It ’ s a great initiative to bring together the independent businesses of Bath and a fantastic way to recognise and reward the many fantastic businesses that make up the diversity that is unique to Bath .”
The categories for the 2017 awards are :
• Best Independent in the Drinks Sector ( pubs , cocktail bars )
• Best Independent Accommodation Provider ( hotels , guest houses , B & Bs )
• Best Independent Professional Services Provider ( lawyers , financial experts etc )
Epoch ’ s managing partner Barry Newbury said : “ We are really proud to have been ranked amongst the best financial planning firms for a third year in a row .
“ The fact that we have been included several times now does not diminish the sense of achievement we feel and recognises the continued hard work and professionalism of all our staff .
“ This independent endorsement of our business also demonstrates our strong commitment to giving our clients the best possible service and advice .”
Fwd : Thinking was set up by two excolleagues Sam Laite and Jamie Wills specialising in sales , marketing and HR roles across the South West and the Midlands .
Started from Sam ’ s home in Bear Flat , the firm has moved twice since inception to accommodate its growth . Now based on Monmouth Street , the business has seven employees and the plan is to double the size of the agency in the next six months .
Sam said : “ We ’ re investing our profits back into the business and its people to aid our future growth . We ’ re lucky to have secured some of the city ’ s key players as clients , such as Lovehoney , Wild & Wolf and Parragon Books , but to sustain our growth we must invest in our people too . They are the lifeblood of any organisation .
“ This year we have taken on an apprentice , Amrit Rallings . Amrit came to us directly after finishing his studies at Bath College . He ’ s IT savvy and is doing a great job of managing our CRM system and social media .”
Fwd : Thinking has also set up a base in
Ben Howlett MP with the 2016 business award winners .
• Best Independent in the Arts , Crafts and Creatives sector ( gift shops , galleries , artists )
• Best Independent in the Food sector ( cafes , restaurants , delis , bakers )
• Best Independent Newcomer ( started trading after 1st January 2016 )
• Best Independent in the Health , Fitness and Beauty Sector ( fitness , hairdressers , dentists , beauticians )
• Best Independent Retailer ( all shops )
• Best Independent B2B provider ( printers , business support , offices , marketing )
• Best High Street / Community Shopping Area
Entries will open on December 3 2016 , Small Business Saturday , however , if you want to nominate a company , just email ben . howlett . mp @ parliament . uk with up to 100 words why they should be considered and they will be entered .
Driving growth
Bath recruitment agency Fwd : Thinking is celebrating after a successful end to 2016 . Having established the business just 18 months ago , this year the firm has gone from strength to strength .
Brindley Place , Birmingham , in the heart of the business district . Jamie who was born and bred in Birmingham is heading up the growth in this geography , whilst Sam is building on the Bath client base .
Jamie said :“ Sam and I have known each other for ten years and our blend of skills really complements one another ’ s . We both come from sales and marketing backgrounds , before establishing ourselves as recruiters . Therefore , we know what it ’ s like to work in the environments we ’ re recruiting for . I ’ ve personally led award winning teams in both HR and marketing disciples and Sam spent nine years in advertising before establishing his recruitment career .”
Fwd : Thinking is always on the look-out for excellent candidates and new clients . Visit their website : www . fwdthinkingrecruitment . co . uk to find out more about their offering and the current job opportunities they are promoting .
4 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2016